When Can I Join?
If you’re between 16 to 37 years old you’re eligible to join the Royal Navy. But for some branches, like the Royal Marines, it’s slightly different.
For the Royal Navy you have to be:
- At least 15 years old and 9 months when you apply
- At least 16 years old on entry
- And at most 37 years old
For the Royal Marines you have to be:
- At least 15 years old and 9 months when you apply
- At least 16 years old on entry
- And at most 33 years old
For the Reserve Forces you have to be:
- At least 15 years old and 9 months when you apply
- At least 16 years old on entry
The upper age limit for reserves depends on the service and your specialisation.
Parental Consent
If you are under 18 years of age, you will need consent from your parent or guardian before you can progress your application at the Armed Forces Careers Office.
Care Order
If you are currently under a Care Order then we will have to seek permission of the local authority for you to join the Naval Service.
If you still have questions, take a look at the specific age requirements for the jobs you’re interested in using the Role Finder.
Eligibility
Everyone joining the Royal Navy has to meet some basic entry requirements. These differ depending on the service you’d like to join, whether you want to be an officer or a rating – and whether you’d like to be a full time regular or a spare time Reserve. See if you’re eligible to join.
Talk to us
One of our advisers will give you a call at the time you have requested and help you to discover your place.
TALK TO US on 08456 07 55 55
Funding & scholarships
With the Royal Navy’s generous
funding and scholarships, we’ll help
you through your studies – whether
it’s A-levels or a university degree.
And you can earn money while you
do it too. Read on to learn about the
many funding opportunities.
Initial training
Now the real work begins with basic training at either HMS Raleigh or Britannia Royal Naval College. Have you got what it takes to make it through and join the ranks?
Royal Marines
joining process
Becoming a Royal Marine is a
longer, more physically and mentally
intense training. So the joining
process is slightly different to the
rest of the Royal Navy. Interested
in getting the Royal Marine state
of mind? Take a look at what’s
involved.
Get fit to join
If you’re thinking of joining the Royal Navy you’ll need to make sure you’re in great shape – and have the strength and stamina to survive, and make the most of, basic training. To help you get ready, we’ve put together a fitness programme which will get you in the zone.
Lifelong learning
When you join the Royal Navy we will give you all the specialist skills you’ll need. But you can also build on this knowledge throughout your career. And because many of the qualifications you will gain are recognised and valued by both the Royal Navy and civilian employers, you will develop an enviable set of transferrable skills.
